MANILA, Philippines – The government must address the looming deportation of around 100 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their children from Israel, detained opposition Senator Leila de Lima urged Monday.
De Lima was referring to reports that around 100 Filipinas and their Israel-born children are set to be deported in July as ordered by Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority (PIA).
She said a “win-win” solution should be sought through diplomatic channels so that the livelihood of OFWs will not be affected and the welfare of their children will not be compromised.
READ: PH to Israel: Treat Filipinos facing deportation well
“Hanapan sana ng agarang solusyon ang problema dahil kabuhayan at kapakanan ng ating mga kapwa Pilipino ang nakataya rito,” De Lima said in a statement.
Citing Isreael’s PIA, De Lima explained that while most of the OFWs set to be deported entered Israel legally, their visas were not renewed because they gave birth in the country, leaving them without any legal status.
She urged the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to ensure that the OFWs’ rights and welfare are protected and that all necessary forms of assistance are extended.
Last February, the DFA appealed to the Israeli government “in the spirit of friendly relations between the Philippines and Israel, to treat overstaying Filipinos who need to be repatriated in an orderly and benignant manner, especially since children may be involved.” (Editor: Gilbert S. Gaviola)
READ: PH to Israel: Treat Filipinos facing deportation well